Winford Resort & Casino Manila started operations in Sta. Cruz, Manila on October 7, 2022, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) said in its 2022 annual report1. PAGCOR, the state-owned corporation that regulates and licenses casino gaming in the Philippines, listed the opening among the year's gaming industry developments1.
The report records the Winford opening alongside other venue launches in 2022. Nustar Resort and Casino in Cebu City opened on May 8, 2022, and two other operations began with electronic game machines (EGMs): one commencing operations on June 22 with 110 EGMs, and another beginning operations with 132 EGMs1. The report does not give the date of the second EGM launch, does not name the operators of those two EGM venues, and gives no further detail on Winford's size, game mix, ownership or investment1.
The Winford opening came in a year PAGCOR describes as a recovery period for Philippine gaming. The industry's gross gaming revenue reached Php214.33 billion, an 89.52% increase from 2021, while PAGCOR's own revenues rose 66.16% year on year from Php35.48 billion to Php58.96 billion1. Net income was Php4.44 billion, up from Php203.57 million in 20211.
The same report records the shutdown of a different segment. A Memorandum from the Office of the President dated May 3, 2022 directed all licensed E-Sabong operators to shut down gaming websites and cease gaming operations1. PAGCOR's report says aborted E-Sabong operations registered Php2.02 billion in income1.
"The start of operations of Winford Resort & Casino Manila in Sta. Cruz, Manila on October 7, 2022"
| Venue | Opening date | Detail reported |
|---|---|---|
| Nustar Resort and Casino, Cebu City | May 8, 2022 | Not stated |
| Unnamed EGM venue | June 22, 2022 | 110 electronic game machines |
| Unnamed EGM venue | Not stated | 132 electronic game machines |
| Winford Resort & Casino Manila, Sta. Cruz, Manila | October 7, 2022 | Not stated |
What it means for players
Winford Resort & Casino Manila adds a gaming venue in Sta. Cruz, a district of Manila north of the better known casino cluster in Entertainment City and the Resorts World complex near the airport. PAGCOR's report confirms the opening date and location only; entry requirements, minimum ages, table limits, game list and operating hours for the property have not been reported. Rules that apply to casinos in the Philippines generally, including who may enter and what identification is required, are set by PAGCOR as regulator. Players in Manila, whether residents, expats or visitors, now have an additional option in the city itself rather than in the bayfront integrated resorts.
What happens next
No next steps specific to Winford Resort & Casino Manila appear in the report. PAGCOR's 2022 annual report sets out a strategic roadmap for 2023 but does not attach any Winford-specific plans to it1.
Sources1 sources
- pagcor-annual-report-2022.pdf, pagcor.ph
